Burn Ban Still in Effect Across Newton, Tyler & Jasper Counties
Despite recent showers, conditions remain dangerously dry — and one illegal burn just scorched 12 acres. Photos Courtesy of Tyler County Emergency Management Office Tyler County officials are warning residents that the burn ban is still in full effect across Newton, Tyler, and Jasper counties. Emergency crews were called out Sunday after a fire in the Spurger area grew out of control when someone tried to burn trash during the ongoing dry spell. According to Tyler County Emer
Rita Shipp
Oct 20
Teen Hunter Dies After Lightning Strike in Louisiana
MONROE, La. — A 17-year-old from Monroe, Louisiana, was tragically killed Saturday evening after being struck by lightning while hunting alone in a remote wooded area. According to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, Colton Gauge Honeycutt had gone hunting near the Weldon community outside Bernice when severe thunderstorms moved through the area shortly before sunset. When Honeycutt didn’t return home, family members grew concerned and went looking for him, Sheriff Dusty Gate
Rita Shipp
Oct 20
Newton County Arrest Report
Jail Activity Report for October 13, 2025 – October 19, 2025 Dhaye, Rhodie Earl — Newton, TX (Age 38) In Custody: Yes Charge: Hold for TDCJ (Theft Prop >$150K < $300K) Bond: — Gore, Chad Dustin — Starks, LA (Age 46) In Custody: No Charge: County Ordinance – Prohibited Use of Boat Ramp Bond: — Herry, Brian David — Orange, TX (Age 40) In Custody: No Charges: Sex Abuse Child/Disabled Person (Victim under 14) – Bond: $250,000 Sex Abuse Child/Disabled Person (Victim under 14) – Bo
Rita Shipp
Oct 20
K9 Rhino Helps Jasper PD Sniff Out Meth During Traffic Stop
JASPER COUNTY — When a Jasper Police Department officer suspected a driver might be hiding narcotics during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon, October 20, 2025, he called for backup — and the help of a four-legged partner whose nose doesn’t miss a thing. Lieutenant Chad Ainsworth with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and his K9 partner Rhino responded to assist at Highway 190 and Main Street. The driver had refused consent to search the vehicle, prompting the JPD officer
Rita Shipp
Oct 20
Log Truck and BMW Collide at Highway 96 and Houston Street in Jasper
Photo by Rita Shipp JASPER, Texas — One person was taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital Monday morning after a black BMW and a log truck collided at the intersection of Highway 96 and Houston Street, one of Jasper’s busiest morning traffic spots. The crash happened around 7:40 a.m., right in front of Jasper Exxon Towing and Recovery. The BMW sustained heavy damage to the roof and rear during the collision, shattering the rear window and scattering glass onto the roadway. Traffic
Rita Shipp
Oct 20
Jasper County Extends Burn Ban, Appoints New Constable, and Advances County Projects
Jasper County — The Jasper County Commissioners Court met in regular session Monday, October 20, covering a wide range of county business — from law enforcement updates and grant projects to extending the local disaster declaration and countywide burn ban amid worsening drought conditions. Christie Hutchison Appointed Interim Precinct 3 Constable Commissioners voted to appoint Christie Hutchison as the interim Precinct 3 Constable, filling the vacancy left by Scott Jacks, wh
Rita Shipp
Oct 20
